1
as in infectious
capable of being passed by physical contact from one person to another
a cold is often catching before the symptoms even begin
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in spreading
exciting a similar feeling or reaction in others
a catching smile that instantly puts patients at ease
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in grabbing
to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly
we tried to catch the kitten before she could sneak out the door
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in getting
to become affected with (a disease or disorder)
you'll catch the flu for sure if you don't get a shot
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in stopping
to bring (something) to a standstill
I caught myself just as I was about to step into the freshly poured concrete
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in securing
to put securely in place or in a desired position
caught back her hair with a barrette
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in knowing
to have a clear idea of
I didn't catch the point you were making about our nation's foreign policy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in tricking
to cause to believe what is untrue
a number of media outlets were caught by the woman's hard-luck story
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in encountering
to come upon face-to-face or as if face-to-face
I'll catch you at the library tomorrow
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
8
as in noticing
to make note of (something) through the use of one's eyes
I looked out the window just in time to catch the neighbor's dog digging up my flower bed
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
9
as in chasing
to move fast enough to get even with
despite the suspect's considerable lead, the fleet-footed police officer was able to catch him and make an arrest
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of catching
Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 21 Nov. 2025
With Thanksgiving around the corner, Charlotte airport officials are expecting a busy holiday period with nearly 2 million passengers arriving and catching flights, starting Thursday.
—Chase Jordan
updated November 20, Charlotte Observer, 20 Nov. 2025
Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
That includes 5 catching runs in 2023, 7 in 2024 and 2 in 2025 while splitting time with the Royals and Padres.
—Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for catching
Adjective
That group also posted the third-fewest defensive runs saved (-21) in the majors as well.
Catcher Jesus Rodriguez, acquired in the Camilo Doval trade, is now the leading candidate to become Patrick Bailey’s backup catcher for next season, but the Giants will likely continue to add catching depth.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 21 Nov. 2025
With Thanksgiving around the corner, Charlotte airport officials are expecting a busy holiday period with nearly 2 million passengers arriving and catching flights, starting Thursday.
—Chase Jordan
updated November 20, Charlotte Observer, 20 Nov. 2025
Verb
Francesco Carta/Getty Images Silver has been catching investors' eyes lately and for good reason.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
That includes 5 catching runs in 2023, 7 in 2024 and 2 in 2025 while splitting time with the Royals and Padres.
—Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for catching
Recent Examples of Synonyms for catching
Adjective
-
His infectious enthusiasm for books opened doors to other roles, like being named the new host of Reading Rainbow and the resident librarian at PBS.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
PEOPLE,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Dustin — a fan-favorite from the very first episode because of his infectious optimism and unapologetic nerdiness — is no exception.—
Andrew McGowan,
Variety,
2 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Take after the actress by grabbing them in black, or choose from six additional colors, including burgundy and deep brown.—
Averi Baudler,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Healthy cooking often boils down to accessibility and convenience; busy lives can leave people grabbing less nutritious alternatives.—
Virginia Willis,
AJC.com,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
If Carolina is thinking about the big picture, giving Coker the extra year, perhaps valued as a first- or second-round tender, is just getting ahead of a formality.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Chief among them is getting to be a mentor to newer cast members, such as Marcello Hernández.—
Lauren Huff,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The Rhode founder and her stylist Dani Michele delivered a show-stopping moment on the red carpet, pulling a shimmering 2009 Armani Privé gown from the archives.—
Meg Walters,
InStyle,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Stroll through the Funk Zone, stopping at wineries, breweries, and local shops along the way.—
Chantelle Kincy,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Union affiliates’ support, or at least non-opposition, was critical to securing the votes needed for passage.—
Ethan Varian,
Mercury News,
14 Jan. 2026
-
The satellite service has expanded rapidly in recent years, securing licenses in more than 120 countries, including some with authoritarian rulers who have persecuted journalists and protesters.—
David Rising,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
When travel days are long and logistics are already tricky, knowing exactly where everything is feels like a small (but necessary) luxury.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Jan. 2026
-
The Louisvillian has gotten used to the poke, knowing firsthand how his temporary discomfort can be of long-lasting help.—
Matthew Glowicki,
Louisville Courier Journal,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Ukraine orchestrated a fake hit on one of Russia's enemies who has fought alongside Ukrainian forces, tricking the Kremlin into paying out a $500,000 bounty Kyiv used to fund its war effort.—
Louis Casiano,
FOXNews.com,
2 Jan. 2026
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To pull off his human heist, Mendez must develop and try to sell a Star Wars-esque sci-fi film, in the hopes of tricking the Iranians into believing the American hostages are part of a Canadian film crew.—
Declan Gallagher,
Entertainment Weekly,
26 Dec. 2025
Verb
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The shocking clip shows 27-year-old Emily Marzilli and friends encountering a hungry Bryde's whale while swimming near a school of sardines.—
Kelli Bender,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Each episode finds Xena (Lawless) and her companion Gabrielle (Renee O'Connor) encountering characters from both history and mythology.—
James Mercadante,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Catching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/catching. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.
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